Mr. Willis to
Mr. Gresham.
No. 4.]
Legation of the United States,
Honolulu, November 16, 1893.
Sir: On last Monday, November 13, I
received a call from three gentlemen who said they were a committee
representing the “American League.” The chairman, Mr. Van Houton,
made a speech of welcome, covering substantially the statements
contained in the papers which I send herewith.
I replied thanking them for their words of welcome and friendship,
and stating in very general terms the circumstances-under which I
came, and saying to them that it was the duty of all Americans,
whether at home or abroad, to coöperate in executing the will of
their Government when it was declared. After some further remarks as
to the desirability of free institutions, provided the people were
adapted them and prepared for them, the committee withdrew. The
chairman came back, after several hours, to inform me that he
neglected to state that the “league” was opposed to the restoration
of the monarchy. Nothing was said in the conversation as to the
status of affairs here or of the instructions of our Government. I
mention this as the committee, I am imformed, have placed a
different construction on the interview.
With high regard, I am, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
The Committee of the
American League to Mr. Willis.
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, November 18, 1893.
Sir: As you are doubtless aware, a
considerable number of citizens of the United States reside in
the Hawaiian Islands. Having a love and veneration for the
United States it is but natural that a fraternal feeling should
exist among men so far from native land; and being desirous of
cultivating these fraternal feelings an organization has been
effected, where only citizens of the United States have been
admitted to membership. The aims and objects of the organization
may be briefly summarized as follows: To bear true allegiance to
the United States, and, so far as possible, advance the
interests of our native country. To aid and protect the members
of the organization, and to assist in all honorable ways the
members of the organization in obtaining employment, and
advocate the just cause of the members and others owing
allegiance to the United States of America.
The organization has assumed the name of the American League, and
for the better protection of its members has adopted a simple
ritual and has a password to be changed as often as necessary.
While eligibility to membership is based on United States
citizenship, the application must go into the hands of a
committee, who investigate as to the qualifications of the
candidate, including character and habits, with the object of
receiving only those who are reliable and worthy.
The members of the league earnestly desire that the Hawaiian
Islands should become a part of the United States, and with that
object in view the organization
[Page 435]
will support the present Provisional
Government of Hawaii, and in all honorable ways aid in
accomplishing annexation.
Believing that you would desire to know something of the aims and
methods of work of the organization this committee was appointed
to visit you and give you such information as you desire, and to
extend to you cordial greeting. It would afford us pleasure to
meet and greet you under the most ordinary circumstances, but,
coming as you do as a representative of the President and the
people of the United States, and considering the importance of
your mission, it affords us peculiar pleasure to give you
welcome.
Some of our members have resided in Hawaii for many years, while
others have come within the last few years and some have arrived
within the last year, yet whether we have been away from America
a few months or many years; whether native-born citizens of the
Union or citizens by adoption, we still venerate and love our
country, and will coöperate with you in advancing its best
interests and looking out for the welfare of the citizens of the
United States, whether they are such from birthright or
adoption. If at any time there is an opportunity for us to aid
you feel free to command us, and be assured that under all
circumstances we desire to make your stay here pleasant to
yourself and beneficial to the country that you represent, for
it is our common country and in its welfare we are all
interested.
We have delayed somewhat in calling on you, believing that your
official duties and the numerous calls being made would fully
occupy your time for the first few days.
Again expressing the pleasure it affords us to greet and welcome
you, we are, very respectfully, yours,
- Geo. Van Houten,
- James f. Hilbus,
- Jos. L. Curtis,
Committee American
League.
